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Powerful Pain Medicineshttps://lucaholisticmedicine.com/health/botanicals/powerful-pain-medicines/
<p>Most of us can relate to the need for pain medication. We can remember a time when we took a pill to feel better or to reduce a fever. A simple headache or an acute injury can be greatly relieved by the simple over the counter medicines that we have at our fingertips. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are some of the common household remedies for pain and many of us have had experience with some of our stronger narcotic pain meds such as vicodin, if even for the removal of wisdom teeth. These laboratory produced chemicals are very effective, but do not come without potential side effects, including gastrointestinal complaints, reduced efficacy, and addiction, to name a few.</p>
<p>If you are not already familiar, I would like to welcome you to the world of plant medicine, where you’ll find natural remedies with the same mechanism of action as many of the creations of the pharmaceutical industry. In truth, many pharmaceutical medications are synthetic versions of plant medicines. Nature has always been the blueprint for our modern day pharmacy. Plants have the ability to work synergistically within the body, often having more than one beneficial effect.</p>
<p>Fortunately, today we share the best of both worlds because we have so many options. It is possible to use herbs exclusively for pain, and it is possible to use pharmaceutical medicine exclusively, or you can use both. The goal is to achieve pain relief that will not do you any long-term damage. One of the principles of naturopathic medicine is to first do no harm. In the realm of pain treatment and management, this is key. Jamaican dogwood, California poppy, and Corydalis are three of my favorite pain herbs.</p>
<p>Piscidia erythrina (Jamaican dogwood)</p>
<p>Parts used: root and stem bark; leaves</p>
<ul><li>nervine (calming)</li>
<li>strong anodyne (pain relief)</li>
<li>antispasmodic</li>
<li>sedative</li>
<li>anti-inflammatory</li>
</ul><p>Eschscholzia californica (California poppy)</p>
<p>State flower of California</p>
<p>Part used: whole fresh plant</p>
<ul><li>nervine</li>
<li>mild anodyne</li>
<li>antispasmodic</li>
<li>calms the Spirit</li>
<li>not to be confused with opium poppy</li>
</ul><p>Corydalis yanhusuo (Corydalis, yan hu suo)</p>
<p>One of the most valued herbs for pain in Chinese Medicine</p>
<p>Part used: rhizome</p>
<ul><li>analgesic</li>
<li>anodyne</li>
<li>circulatory stimulant</li>
<li>antispasmodic</li>
</ul>Fri, 09 Aug 2013 20:35:03 -0700https://lucaholisticmedicine.com/health/botanicals/powerful-pain-medicines/Turmeric, the Golden Roothttps://lucaholisticmedicine.com/health/botanicals/turmeric-the-golden-root/
<p>We followed Jamba, a Jamaican Maroon elder in his 80s, through his farm perched in the hills with a stream running through it. It was a garden hidden deep along the northern coastline of the island. He was one of the teachers on our ethnobotany trip to rural Jamaica last spring. Cinnamon trees, Jamaican Dogwood, Ethiopian plum, Guinea Hen Weed, Chigger Nut, Cacao, Acacia, Elder Pepper and Cerasse were but a few of the plants we encountered.</p>
<p>While showing us his land, he suddenly stopped walking and started to dig in the rich deep brown earth. He knew exactly where the medicine lived amongst dense vegetation, despite little obvious sign of medicinal plant life to the western herbalists in our crew. The cultivation strategy and farming techniques are quite different compared to a typical U.S. herbal farm. His style could be compared more equally to permaculture,in which the plants are surrounded by the native landscape instead of cleared for rows.</p>
<p>Jamba revealed a large root system of turmeric (Curcuma longa). This is one of our most potent anti-inflammatory herbal medicines to date, and has been coined the “herbal prednisone”, a very strong steroid drug. It was a special moment for me to see him cultivate the plant that I have so neatly encapsulated, packaged, and labeled for my patients. It was valuable for me as a physician to connect with the plant in the wild, to touch it, rub the dirt off of it, and to see it stain my hands with its golden pigment.</p>
<p>The medicinal part of turmeric is a stubby orange-yellow root that he referred to as golden root. He told us about the medicine and how he uses it. It is used commonly in Indian, Chinese, Thai, and Ethiopian cuisine, as many of these cultures use medicinal dosages of herbs in the daily diet.</p>
<p>Properties of Curcuma longa (Turmeric)</p>
<p>parts used : tuber and rhizome</p>
<ul><li>powerful antioxidant</li>
<li>invigorates the blood</li>
<li>decongests the liver</li>
<li>supports healthy digestive function</li>
<li>reduces inflammation</li>
<li>anti-carcinogenic (tumor preventing activity)</li>
<li>lowers cholesterol</li>
<li>heart and liver protective</li>
<li>topical antibacterial and antifungal</li>
<li>contraindicated in medicinal doses during pregnancy</li>
</ul>Fri, 09 Aug 2013 20:33:02 -0700https://lucaholisticmedicine.com/health/botanicals/turmeric-the-golden-root/Skin Cancer Preventionhttps://lucaholisticmedicine.com/health/skin/skin-cancer-prevention/
<p>As we bloom into the heat and sunny weather of another glorious Oregon summer, many of us want to make sure that we are taking good care of our skin. It is our time to shine and build up Vitamin D stores. It is a great idea to spend a portion of each day outdoors and soak up some sun. Outdoor exercise, fresh air, and sunlight are healthy for anyone, and are some of the finest ingredients to improve the symptoms associated with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or the temporary depression or melancholy that can set in with the lack of adequate sunlight. This is quite common in areas of the world where cloud cover dominates a large portion of the year. Places like London, San Francisco and Portland are known for their cloudy skies. We have learned that clouds do not equal UV damage protection.</p>
<p>Sunlight exposure can be very healing from a holistic perspective and is an important aspect of good skin health. With that being said, we want to take conservative precautions to make sure that we are treating our skin well and not becoming overexposed to the damaging UV rays that can potentially cause DNA changes in the skin and lead to precancerous skin changes such as actinic keratosis or skin cancers. I recommend using a combination of mineral-based sunblock, physical barriers such as hats and clothing, and making wise choices in regard to the time of day to have full sun exposure. Sun rays are most intense between 12 and 2 pm. If you plan to be out in the sun during those hours, be sure to have a hat or a topical block in case you feel the light is too intense.</p>
<p>Please refer to The Skin Cancer Foundation website (<a title="Go to the skincancer.org website" href="http://www.skincancer.org" target="_blank">www.skincancer.org</a>) for detailed information and articles about skin cancer prevention and related skin topics. It is an excellent site for reference.</p>
<p>Over the last several years, a great controversy has arisen in regard to the use of sunblock. The drug store or grocery store sunscreen brands have become more chemically based and less mineral-block-based in recent years and some scientists feel that this is contributing to the rising rates of skin cancers. The literature is controversial in itself due to poorly designed studies and unclear results. However, as with all topical medications, cosmetics, hormones, makeup, lotions, and anything else you may choose to put on your skin, I always recommend choosing the companies that have the most chemical-free ingredients. The natural body care industry has been in a constant state of economic growth and ever growing demand. There are wonderful companies that are creating lovely and effective formulas that are chemical free and organic in many cases. Health food stores and quality day spas are a great place to find such products.</p>
<p>Ingredients such as oxybenzone, avobenzone (Parsol 1789), and retinol palmitate are a few of the suspect ingredients. The understanding is that these types of chemicals can create free radical damage in the skin when exposed to UV rays and therefore can potentially lead to skin cancers. I recommend using sunscreens without these chemicals as a general precaution.</p>
<p>Many natural skin care lines are out there, with a variety of SPF sunscreens available. They consist of mineral blocks such as zinc or titanium dioxide in addition to a natural lotion base with botanicals and antioxidants. Some botanicals are naturally UV protective and many of the herbal-based skin care lines incorporate these into their formulas.</p>
<p>It is wise to test the consistency of the sunscreen to make sure that is easy to apply. Some of these products may clump due to the mineral content and formulation. Follow the directions for application, especially if planning to swim. I recommend using a high SPF for optimal effect, especially in children, and lower SPF for darker, less reactive skin types or if there is not a history of excessive sun burning. Aloe vera gel is the best after sun treatment and Calendula lotions or creams and shea butter are excellent moisturizers and help to rejuvenate and rebuild healthy skin after sun tanning.</p>
<p>The skin is the largest organ of the entire body and is responsible for many important functions. It is a highly bioactive tissue that helps to regulate body temperature and hydration, is directly related to liver and gastrointestinal function, and is a primary organ of elimination and detoxification.</p>
<p>As a naturopathic doctor specializing in holistic dermatology, I am continually examining the skin to evaluate the health of the inner body. Any type of skin disorder must be treated from a holistic perspective. At Nature Cures Clinic, we are committed to the principles of naturopathic medicine and are always looking to find the root cause of the imbalance or illness. We treat the whole person, all systems included, which usually involves diet and nutrition, lifestyle, mental/emotional well being, and medicines for specific issues. We are often concerned with what is entering our bodies through our gastrointestinal tract or what we are inhaling into the lungs, but we need to consider our skin to be an integral part of optimal health.</p>Fri, 09 Aug 2013 20:24:32 -0700https://lucaholisticmedicine.com/health/skin/skin-cancer-prevention/Eczema : Treating the Causehttps://lucaholisticmedicine.com/health/skin/eczema-treating-the-cause/
<p>A common skin ailment that exists in populations across the world is atopic dermatitis, otherwise known as eczema. Most of us have family members or friends that have experienced eczema at some point in their lives. Atopic dermatitis is part of a triad of illnesses that often runs in family lines. Asthma, hay fever, and atopic dermatitis make the triad of atopy and family members may be affected by one or all three. If an individual has a relative with one of the three, it increases the likelihood of developing one of the triad over his or her lifetime. As with any chronic or acute inflammatory illness, diet and life style choices can dramatically improve the symptom picture.</p>
<p>Eczema can develop in the newborn or can spontaneously emerge later in life. We often see children with eczema that is caused from food sensitivities or premature introduction of certain foods that the child is unable to metabolize without creating inflammation.</p>
<p>Cautious and conscience food introduction is a great way to prevent eczema in a baby or toddler. In older children or adults, eczema is often related to food sensitivities, liver health, environmental toxicity, allergies, or stress. Unfortunately, it is often a combination of many things. From an allopathic or conventional medical model, hydrocortisone or steroid cream is often the treatment of choice. However, this does not address the underlying cause of the inflammatory response. Naturopathic medicine truly shines in the case of identifying the cause of illness and finding ways to directly improve metabolism and digestion by decreasing inflammation.</p>
<p>In the process of becoming more healthy overall, many of the acute health issues, such as eczema in this case, slowly disappear. It is the philosophical principles of naturopathic medicine that guide the healing process. Identifying and treating the cause, not the symptom, allowing the healing power of nature to act, and treating the whole person are some of the guiding principles that create the quality healing that will allow an individual to live symptom free.</p>
<p>Naturopathic medicine has many treatment options for atopic dermatitis and other chronic skin conditions such as acne or psoriasis. A thorough health history including a review of the organs systems of the body will help to identify the cause of the skin inflammation and guide the treatment plan. Botanical medicine, homeopathy, Chinese herbal formulation, nutritional therapy, vitamin and mineral supplementation, and lifestyle recommendations are the components that define a holistic medicine plan.</p>
<p>Holistic dermatology is an area of specialty within my medical practice and I see many patients, young and old, with various skin conditions. I spend a lot of my clinical time working with individuals to solve skin issues. Please feel free to schedule a 30 minute complimentary consult to learn more about your naturopathic options.</p>Fri, 09 Aug 2013 20:14:30 -0700https://lucaholisticmedicine.com/health/skin/eczema-treating-the-cause/The New Food Pyramidhttps://lucaholisticmedicine.com/health/nutrition/the-new-food-pyramid/
<p>The new food pyramid is actually not a pyramid at all. I use a circle, similar to a dinner plate, and separate it into 4 equal parts, as illustrated in the photo and drawing. I find this to be more practical and useful for making good food choices. It is very easy to remember 4 categories: protein, raw vegetable, cooked vegetable, starch, plus a small amount of healthy fats.</p>
<p>The example illustrated is geared toward a dinner meal, however the basic guidelines can be followed at breakfast or lunch. For example at breakfast, eggs, turkey bacon, smoked salmon or yogurt may be your protein source and fruit may be in the place of raw vegetables. Flax meal, coconut or hemp oil may accompany your granola or morning porridge as a healthy source of fat. Steamed vegetables or a miso vegetable broth is an excellent lighter breakfast and I do recommend vegetables at breakfast in a scramble with eggs, tempeh, tofu, or as a simple side dish.</p>
<p>There are no rules for eating specific foods at certain meals, so allow yourself the freedom to explore your diet in new ways that feel good to your body. Creativity and good food planning are the keys for a healthy diet.</p>
<p>Examples of 4 Food Categories plus some healthy fats:</p>
<p>1. protein - fish, meat, poultry, legumes, yogurt, cottage cheese, etc.</p>
<p>2. raw vegetables - salad greens, sprouts, radish, broccoli, celery, etc.</p>
<p>3. cooked or steamed vegetables - green beans, cauliflower, stir-fry, curry dishes, etc.</p>
<p>4. starch - quinoa, rice, sweet potato, bread, injera, pasta, etc.</p>
<p>* healthy fats - olive, sesame or coconut oil, avocado, butter, nuts, seeds, etc.</p>Fri, 09 Aug 2013 20:10:10 -0700https://lucaholisticmedicine.com/health/nutrition/the-new-food-pyramid/Ackee & Salt Fish Jamaica’s National Dishhttps://lucaholisticmedicine.com/health/nutrition/ackee-and-salt-fish-jamaicas-national-dish/
<p>The flavors of Caribbean cuisine inspire thoughts of eating meals outside among ocean views and warm breezes, unique spices, strange fruit and the merging of the best of a multitude of international food favorites. It is inherently a cuisine of many cultures.</p>
<p>One of my most favorite meals is Jamaica’s national dish ackee &amp; salt fish. The ackee tree is an evergreen that is native to West Africa and was brought to Jamaica in the 1700s. Ackee is considered the national fruit of Jamaica and can be found all over the island. As it ripens, the bright red fruit splits exposing the cream-colored tender flesh and large shiny black seeds. Once lightly cooked, it is strangely similar in texture and appearance to scrambled eggs.</p>
<p>I make this dish for my family on special occasions or when I am feeling the need for a little tropical flair. Ackee (the fruit) and salt fish (boneless salted cod usually) can be found in Caribbean grocery stores, of which we have one in NE Portland, or canned ackee can be purchased online. Of course fresh ackee is best, but canned works very well. Salt fish requires special preparation before adding to the recipe (see below for details). Being in the Pacific NW, I often substitute smoked salmon instead of salt fish which tastes fantastic.</p>
<p>The dish is absolutely delightful and combines ackee, sautéed vegetables, and salt fish (or salmon). It is similar to a breakfast scramble. It is traditionally served with fried dumplings, bammy (Jamaican cassava bread similar to the flat bread of the Arawaks, Jamaica’s original inhabitants), or boiled or fried plantain.</p>
<p>INGREDIENTS:</p>
<p>3 tablespoons coconut oil</p>
<p>1 cup thinly sliced onions</p>
<p>3 sprigs fresh thyme</p>
<p>1/2 cup diced tomatoes</p>
<p>hot pepper to taste - minced</p>
<p>1/3 cup sweet green pepper - diced</p>
<p>1 pound boneless salt fish or smoked salmon - flaked into small pieces</p>
<p>1 pound shelled ackees</p>
<p>sea salt and black pepper to taste</p>
<p>green onions - thinly sliced for garnish</p>
<p>TOOLS:</p>
<p>1 large fry pan with cover</p>
<p>1 large spoon</p>
<p>cutting board</p>
<p>COOKING DIRECTIONS:</p>
<p>1. Heat oil in pan over medium high heat</p>
<p>2. Saute onions until translucent - few minutes</p>
<p>3. Stir in vegetables and spices (hot pepper, green pepper, tomatoes, sea salt, pepper)</p>
<p>4. Cover and allow to cook for few minutes</p>
<p>5. Add flaked fish and gently combine all ingredients</p>
<p>6. Add ackees and toss carefully - be careful to not break up ackees</p>
<p>7. Cook covered for approximately 5 minutes</p>
<p>8. Sprinkle green onions on top and serve hot</p>
<p>special notes:</p>
<p>If using canned ackees, drain off all water before adding to vegetable and fish saute.</p>
<p>Be sure to de-salt your salt fish because it is very salty. To remove some of the salt, boil salt fish in water for 15-20 minutes 2 times. Use fresh water the second time.</p>Fri, 09 Aug 2013 20:08:11 -0700https://lucaholisticmedicine.com/health/nutrition/ackee-and-salt-fish-jamaicas-national-dish/Why Do We Gain Weight? A Holistic Approachhttps://lucaholisticmedicine.com/health/what-ails-us/why-do-we-gain-weight-a-holistic-approach/
<p>In the United States, we are some of the world’s most well fed people. Still, we can nickname our diet S.A.D., for Standard American Diet. It’s sad to look at national fast food statistics and the giant proportions of meat and heavy carbohydrates we eat. Some of us simply over consume calorie-rich, nutrient-deficient foods. We also eat quite a large amount of protein compared to our global neighbors. Our cuisine is robust in many ways and some of the most common foods in the American diet are not ideal from a holistic nutrition perspective. With all of the dietary fads and viewpoints out there in the world, it can be hard to navigate the best diet for your body.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, many of the world’s basic foods and especially prepared foods are now highly processed and may be genetically modified, chemically altered, pesticide-laden, and environmentally questionable from a sustainability perspective. Our goal is to simplify the foods we ingest and return to the basics of what we know to be good quality healthy nourishment. However, it is not always easy to have the time, interest, or financial ability to prepare the healthiest of foods for ourselves and our families, despite our best intentions.</p>
<p>Let’s look on the bright side and consider that many of us—millions in fact—have seen the light and are doing our best to make good conscious choices for our own personal food consumption and for our families. The natural and organic foods business is ever expanding around the world and I believe there is a growing desire for people to be more well informed and health conscious. People want to take action and find ways to act preventatively. As we are living longer, it is wise to seriously consider how you may want to feel at 70, 80, or maybe even at 100 years old.</p>
<p>It takes effort to be healthy, and as naturopathic medicine has touched my life and helped me to become more aware, I hope to do the same for those of you seeking new information and perspectives on health and well being.</p>
<p>I titled this article “Why Do We Gain Weight? A Holistic Perspective” for two main reasons. The first is that I understand that many of us struggle with weight issues, especially as we become midlife adults and the second reason is that the answer is not always as obvious as it may seem. Of course the foods that one chooses to eat and the lifestyle that one chooses to live have an impact on our bodies, but there are many other factors that can play into the metabolism of body fat.</p>
<p>The metabolism of fat is a process that involves many of the hormonal and enzymatic systems of the body. From an energy perspective, the caloric intake from the food that is ingested in a day’s time needs to be used in order for the body to maintain the same weight. In the absence of exercise, movement, or activity, the body will naturally store fat. This is the most superficial and simplistic way of trying to understand body weight and body fat. The physics of the relationship between diet and exercise, calories into the body versus calories burned, is straight forward. For many people, changing the diet and exercise practices works well, but what about those individuals who eat well, sleep well, exercise regularly, and still hold unwanted body fat?</p>
<p>As our body’s hormones are beautifully orchestrated into homeostasis and harmony most of the time, once in a while one hormonal system may become a little imbalanced. The analogy of the orchestra helps to tell this story. As one instrument plays slightly out of tune or a different musical piece all together, the sound changes. The various other musicians may play louder or take the role of that one musician or instrument that became out of tune and led to the imbalance. This is what happens in the body. As an imbalance occurs, the other organs and hormonal systems will take hold and shift the biochemistry toward homeostasis. Our bodies continually try to seek the best way to heal and maintain balance.</p>
<p>In respect to weight gain, the following are the body systems that need to be addressed especially if basic alterations in diet and exercise are not bringing you to your goals of weight loss. Basic blood chemistry analysis from a naturopathic perspective can help to rule out any blood sugar metabolism issues including hypoglycemia, insulin resistance and pre-diabetes, oxygenation issues in the body related to anemia, liver inflammation or elevations in liver enzymes that can lead to poor metabolism in general, low grade chronic infections, thyroid imbalance, pancreatic and kidney function, and inflammation issues.</p>
<p>Hormonal testing is appropriate for both men and women. The steroid hormonal cascade including progesterone, estradiol, estrone, estriol, testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, cortisol, DHEA, and others may be appropriate to rule out hormonal imbalance at the various stages of life. Hormone testing can be completed with a saliva, blood, or a urinary sample. Cortisol levels are a specific measurement to assess the adrenal glands and are often a crucial piece in the hormonal balance of the body, especially in those of us that may be under stress or lead a very busy life.</p>
<p>Food sensitivities can cause quite a bit of general inflammation in the body. Many people report that once the food sensitivities are removed from the diet, weight comes off very easy. As the lining of the gastrointestinal tract heals from the inflammatory processes related to offending foods, digestion and metabolism improve and the body can function with more ease. Finding the foods that work the best for your body type and metabolism are key aspects to maintaining optimal weight.</p>
<p>Digestive health and proper bacterial ratios and enzymes are easily tested and can give a huge amount of insight into how your body is digesting food. If yeast or pathogenic bacteria or a parasite is present in your gastrointestinal tract, the body is chronically fighting a low grade infection. Food will not be digested correctly, and the lining of the gut will become damaged. In naturopathic medicine, gut health is at the forefront of maintaining a healthy body. It is where the inside of the body interfaces with the outside world. It is where our immune system and enzymatic biochemical pathways originate. Good digestion is essential for sustained weight loss. Digestive health panels may include stool, saliva, and/or blood tests.</p>
<p>The liver is the main filter of the body and is responsible for many metabolic functions. Cleanse and detoxification programs are a great way to kick start a weight loss plan. If the liver becomes stagnant or does not function at the optimal level, metabolism will in turn become slower and less efficient. There are cleanses for everyone and it should not feel intimidating. A cleanse or detoxification program can be custom tailored to suit anyone’s lifestyle, intensity level, and financial status.</p>
<p>Mental and emotional health and relationships to food cannot go unaddressed in the process of losing weight. It is important to evaluate relationships with food and make sure that if there are bad habits or unresolved body image or self esteem issues, they can be addressed in an authentic and meaningful way. It may require significant inner reflection or counseling with your physician to identify the best ways to move forward. Constitutional homeopathy and acupuncture may be of great benefit in these types of scenarios.</p>
<p>The deeper investigations into reasons behind the inability to lose weight are worth looking into if it is an area of struggle or confusion. Several herbs within the pharmacy of naturopathic medicine have been identified to assist with fat metabolism and helping to decrease carbohydrate or sugar cravings. Clinical studies have shown great results with using herbal medicine in conjunction with a dietary and exercise plan. Herbs and other natural vitamins and nutrients are often used as an integral part a holistic weight loss program.</p>
<p>If you have any questions or are interested in discussing additional considerations as part of your weight loss or longevity plans, please feel free to be in touch.</p>Fri, 09 Aug 2013 20:00:58 -0700https://lucaholisticmedicine.com/health/what-ails-us/why-do-we-gain-weight-a-holistic-approach/Time To Take Care of Youhttps://lucaholisticmedicine.com/health/what-ails-us/time-to-take-care-of-you/
<p>Lehua, the flower of the Big Island of Hawaii, represents the transformative energy of the active volcano Kilauea. I recently spent time exploring the island and its bountiful plant life. I was particularly struck by the red flower that emerged out of pure black lava.</p>
<p>Lehua is the first vegetation to grow after the lava flow. The pollen and bright color of the flower attract insects that pollinate a diversity of other tropical plants, encouraging regrowth. Birds and animals soon return as the regenerative power of nature restores balance to the environment. The symbol is clear. Lehua is a reflection of the cycles and patterns within ourselves. Symbolic fire may need to burn to make way for the new.</p>
<p>Naturopathic medicine is a refreshing approach to your health, geared toward exploring the best ways to improve the functionality of your body. As we address ways to take better care of you, preventive medicine is the goal. We evaluate ways to improve your lifestyle that will act to empower and inspire the transformative realization that optimal health is possible.</p>
<p>As we uncover the biochemistry of the body through functional blood chemistry analysis, hormonal testing, nutrition and lifestyle evaluation, adrenal stress index, and other appropriate studies, we have the information required to fully understand your body. Then we can build a solid foundation of prevention including correction of deficiencies or excesses which addresses both acute and chronic disease.</p>
<p>Nature can be a great teacher and reflection of ourselves. Allow your desire for better health to act as the Lehua flower, bringing life toward expansion and growth. Create the time to take care of you.</p>Fri, 09 Aug 2013 19:56:05 -0700https://lucaholisticmedicine.com/health/what-ails-us/time-to-take-care-of-you/The Sexuality of Womenhttps://lucaholisticmedicine.com/health/womens-health/the-sexuality-of-women/
<p>The sexuality of a woman is one of the great mysteries of life: sensuality dawns and sets, ebbs and flows through our various stages in life. To closely study and appreciate the complexity within female sexuality is to truly enter the sphere of the feminine.</p>
<p>First, a few facts about the female anatomy: A fully engorged clitoral system, which is common during arousal and orgasm, is thirty times as large as the external clitoral glans and shaft in an unaroused state. This is at least as large as the male penis. The clitoris (female glans) contains between six and eight thousand sensory nerve endings. This is the most neurologically dense tissue in the human body, male or female. The neurological strength and power of the female orgasm is unmatched.</p>
<p>As a naturopathic physician and gynecology specialist, I have the great honor of sharing the experiences of women by acting as a guide to achieve optimal health. Each woman with her distinct anatomy embodies the fullness of what being female can be. All sizes, shapes, colors, moods, personalities, styles, and hormonal status are in our world to experience, witness, appreciate, and love. Our collective female bodies are the reflections of our lives, our children, our choices, and the familial ancestries and genetics that have created us.</p>
<p>The joy of lovemaking is a lifelong activity. I always put it on the list of good forms of exercise as it is a part of life that requires attention and cultivation. I recently co-taught a women’s sexuality class with a sex therapist colleague, and I was pleasantly surprised at the spunk and pure fun involved within the sex life of the 40 years and older women in the class. The ages of the women ranged from 32 to 73 and they were from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Just when you think or assume things may be slowing down, or otherwise, think again.</p>
<p>All too often, lovemaking is the part of life that becomes neglected or abandoned, forgotten about or devalued. The curious activities of busy making such as house chores, errands, parental duties, life responsibilities like a job or two or three, too much time spent in the tantalizing world of electronics and computers, or the simple rebound fatigue effect from these activities can put a massive damper on the libido. The good life, as we each define it, often has many worthy requirements for success.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, the price is often the time you may have spent making love. Sexual dysfunction is a common complaint for men and women. Other reasons behind not living the dream of a great sex life may include physical issues related to illness or mental emotional issues rooted in past experiences or psychological trauma, while some individuals simply have not yet found a partner.</p>
<p>Hormonal issues may play a major role. Fortunately, hormonal lab tests are easy and relatively inexpensive for both men and women. Within the realm of naturopathic medicine, there are many options for hormonal treatment that do not necessarily include taking hormone supplements. Herbal medicine, homeopathy, cleanse and detoxification programs, nutritional support, and bio-identical hormone replacement therapies may benefit an individual with hormonal imbalance.</p>
<p>The psychology of relationships is one of the most crucial elements in the sexuality of adults. We are complex beings created out of complicated overlapping histories, family backgrounds, religions, and distinct values, yet we miraculously manage to find the one person who is so attractive and special. For some it may be a lifelong partner, for others it may be a new person all the time, which ultimately turns into a series of sexual experiences with various people. Define it as love or animal magnetism, but sexual attraction and body chemistry do not lie. It can be intoxicating and cause people to do all kinds of seemingly crazy things.</p>
<p>It is the life of a woman, young or old, that tells the stories of our shared histories. The development of our bodies, the monthly cycle of menstruation, our sexual awakening as young women, motherhood, adult maturity in the midlife, and the transition into the wise empowered elder—they are all experienced as different stages, each of us in our unique time. We continually redefine what it is to be feminine, adjusting to our needs and desires as products of a modern world. All the while, our bodies continue to pulse and we experience the instincts and pleasure centers that have been passed down through the ages and generations of our great grandmothers. Not until recent years have women had the freedoms and choices that many of us experience now, particularly in the western world.</p>
<p>Sexuality is an essential part of a well balanced healthy life. In its many shapes and forms, the human body is the utopia of sensual bliss and satisfaction. It is the simple pleasures in life that allow for all else to fall away and bring perspective to what we do, who we are, and the lives we lead. There is not anything in the world that can compare to the shared experience of love and pure joy created between two lovers.</p>
<p>If you are interested in learning more about the world of female sexuality and the art and science involved, please register for my upcoming class series “Light My Fire”. It will be a series of fun evening discussions and a great time to discuss women’s health, the historical cross cultural art of sexuality, science, and naturopathic wellness.</p>Fri, 09 Aug 2013 19:47:30 -0700https://lucaholisticmedicine.com/health/womens-health/the-sexuality-of-women/How Far Will Science Take Us?https://lucaholisticmedicine.com/health/health-in-the-world/how-far-will-science-take-us/
<p>Lab testing has always been a way to screen for diseases and identify imbalances or excesses in the biochemistry of the body. By testing, we can discern the correlation between disease processes and levels of certain metabolites of the body, and this can help us make a clear diagnosis. In fact, lab testing has, in many ways, brought medicine to where it is today.</p>
<p>Today, we are even beginning to look into people’s genetic makeup as a screening tool for the potential to inherit a disease. For example, if a test detects a highly controversial BRCA “breast cancer gene”, there is an 87% chance of developing the disease. Conventional medicine now recommends a double mastectomy. How do we feel about this?</p>
<p>We can explore metabolism and poor digestion by identifying the ratios of types of intestinal bacteria, we measure brain chemistry neurotransmitters to establish baselines for mental health, hormonal patterns are regularly tracked in men and women, we can rank hundreds of food sensitivities exposing hidden sources of inflammation, identify toxicity with metals or elements and can test for potential autoimmune reactions in a multitude of tissues of the body that were not previously thought to be subject to autoimmunity such as the brain. This is simply to name a few of the potential tests that are part of naturopathic evaluation. The types of blood, salivary, urinary and stool tests that can be run expand every year with amazing technologies and public interest.</p>
<p>As a physician, I feel it is my responsibility to counsel my patients on the tests that are most appropriate and actually helpful. Many people come to me already knowing the tests that they want and often cite some best-selling book touting it as a great test. It is crucial to know how to interpret the results correctly and to create a plan for addressing the results. In the case of genetic or genotype testing, treatment choices may be serious and require preliminary counseling before the tests are ordered.</p>
<p>Lab results should always be interpreted with the clinical picture and symptom history in mind. I order all sorts of lab tests in my practice, including the most basic and simple tests—like blood analysis to rule out iron deficiency—and feel confident that naturopathic interpretation serves the population well. When we narrow the normal ranges, we can identify metabolic and biochemical imbalances before actual symptoms occur.</p>
<p>Baseline blood chemistry testing is an important piece within a holistic annual preventative healthcare plan, and being informed of the opportunities to look deeper into your own personal biochemistry and genetics are at your fingertips.</p>Fri, 09 Aug 2013 19:10:06 -0700https://lucaholisticmedicine.com/health/health-in-the-world/how-far-will-science-take-us/The Joy of Hormoneshttps://lucaholisticmedicine.com/health/womens-health/the-joy-of-hormones/
<p>Hormones and the female body are a continual life song of harmony and orchestration. The hormonal cycles and daily pulses act as the navigators through the great sea of being female. The joys and sorrows, the developing and maturing body, sexuality and motherhood, the four decades of menstrual cycles, and the experience of menopause are delicately sewn into the fabric of life, by only a handful of hormones.</p>
<p><strong>Female hormones become imbalanced for a variety of reasons.</strong></p>
<ul><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.6;">Excessive stress</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.6;">Poor glandular function, meaning the anatomy is not working correctly</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.6;">Liver or metabolic dysfunction</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.6;">Excessive weight (abdominal fat can actually produce hormones!)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.6;">Poor nutritional status</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.6;">Environmental toxicity</span></li>
</ul><p><br>Simple lab testing can determine the specifics of your personal hormonal profile. It is however crucial to use the appropriate type of hormone test, and in menstruating women, the sample must be collected at the best time of the month to identify the correct levels. In naturopathic medicine, urinary, salivary and blood test are routinely used for screening hormonal evaluation. The tests are often completed at home, not expensive and may be covered by insurance. A wealth of understanding is gained with simple hormonal evaluation. <br><br>Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can be used to restore physiologic levels if a deficiency or imbalance is detected. There are several ways to utilize the custom hormonal prescription - oral, sublingual or topical application. Nutritional and herbal medicine can also be of huge benefit as part of a comprehensive plan. <br><br><strong>Balanced hormones help to restore:</strong></p>
<ul><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.6;">Vitality and stamina</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.6;">Mental focus</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.6;">Healthy libido</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.6;">Energy Balanced</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.6;">Emotions</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.6;">Beautiful skin</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.6;">Great sleep</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.6;">Ability to lose weight</span></li>
</ul><p>Women are not the only ones to struggle with hormones. Many men also suffer from low hormone production (andropause) or imbalances. If you or a loved one are interested in more information or would like to explore options for hormone testing and holistic treatment please schedule a time for us to connect.</p>Thu, 08 Aug 2013 16:17:48 -0700https://lucaholisticmedicine.com/health/womens-health/the-joy-of-hormones/Longevity in the Worldhttps://lucaholisticmedicine.com/health/health-in-the-world/my-first-blog-entry/
<p class="p1">Women and men in the world are living longer, upwards of 100 years in many cases. In our family, my great aunt Agnes lived to be 103 and lived in her home, made quilts, and cared for her elderly children until they died. There are people all over the world living to be very old and many of these folks are maintaining a good quality of life. My father who is well on his way to 100 is currently 84 and plays tennis 2-3 times per week with his friends, is taking no medications and constantly whups me on the tennis court with his laser beam serve. My husband nor I have yet to beat him in a match. He is a perfect example of how many of us hope to live as an elder in the community. In the golden years, we want to celebrate our lives, have freedom of movement and mental clarity, live pain free and have the ability share time with our loved ones. We do not want to be overburdened with health issues and limitations.</p>
<p class="p1">Longevity is an area of medicine that is naturally becoming more popular and of interest as the population of the U.S. is living significantly longer with each generation. Although I must mention that there are some statistics that infer that because of the long term health impacts of the S.A.D. (Standard American Diet), specifically in relation to Diabetes and obesity, this may not be the case for the future of the American children of today.</p>
<p class="p1">Chronic disease prevention is one of the primary goals for the healthcare that I provide for my patients. Once we have established the basic guidelines for healthy living, we work to focus on specific therapeutics and treatment plans to enhance brain chemistry and lessen the physiologic and metabolic impacts of aging.</p>
<p class="p1">Simple protocols can be easily integrated into the daily routine of nutritional and herbal supplementation. There are certain herbs and nutrients that can be used nearly universally for adults in the proper therapeutic dosages, but it is always advised to check with your physician to be sure of potential interactions with medications or contraindications for your body.</p>
<p class="p1">Chronic illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis and cancer are the among the most common health issues for the aging.</p>
<p class="p1">The following herbal medicines are my top choices to explore for anti-aging and health longevity:</p>
<ul><li>Ginseng</li>
<li>Ginkgo</li>
<li>Green Tea</li>
<li>Turmeric</li>
<li>Garlic</li>
<li>Coleus</li>
<li>Bilberry/Blueberry</li>
<li>Boswelia</li>
<li>Willow Bark</li>
<li>Echinacea</li>
</ul><p class="p2">Each of the herbs has specific mechanisms of action to work synergistically with the body to optimize health longevity. Dosages and specific formulation with vary with individuals.</p>Fri, 26 Jul 2013 22:42:47 -0700https://lucaholisticmedicine.com/health/health-in-the-world/my-first-blog-entry/